Like the comic book characters who inspired them, the BoxingWatchers are dedicated to observe all of the biggest fights the sweet science has to offer. With no insider access to the sport, they record what they've seen here. The BoxingWatchers are passionate fans who pledge to bring you intelligent opinions, predictions, reviews and commentary.

10.10.09

We've made it to the co-feature of Latin Fury 12: Island Warriors, from the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Undefeated Cuban featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa looks to keep a possible future date with Juan Manuel Lopez on track by adding Whyber Garcia to his hit list.

The tale of the tape shows Garcia with a two-inch height advantage, and both men came in even on the scales. Gamboa is 15-0 with 13 KOs, while Garcia is 22-6.

Michael Buffer does the introductions and we're set for a scheduled 12 rounds for the WBA featherweight title.

Round 1

Both men lead off with wide hooks. Gamboa tries to duck in behind his jab. Garcia is very patient as he takes a left hook to the body. He quickly ties up as Gamboa comes in. Left hook to the head by Gamboa. One-two by Gamboa is mostly blocked, so he tries the body instead. Gamboa gets his foe's attention with a few shots right at the end of the round.

Franchise: 10-9 Gamboa

Round 2

Gamboa starts out with a nice right hand but gets whacked back by a left. Yuriorkis loads up another left hook that glances off his opponent's head. Garcia looks a little bloody under his right eye. Gamboa flurries and lands a couple punches before walking back out of range. Garcia is forced to lunge just to find Gamboa right now.

Franchise: 10-9 Gamboa

Round 3

A pair of right hands have Gamboa feeling confident in the first minute, but Garcia shows something by sneaking in a few rights of his own. Garcia is smart about holding when he's under pressure. Nothing too dangerous comes back toward Gamboa for the last 90 seconds.

Franchise: 10-9 Gamboa

Round 4

Gamboa hits Garcia with a blazing right hand in the opening seconds and he goes down hard. Garcia beats the count, but Gamboa stays on him and keeps peppering him with both hands, and the referee finally decides that he's seen enough.

The winner by KO in Round 4... and still WBA featherweight titleholder... Yuriorkis Gamboa.